Betamethasone
Key points
- It works by activating natural substances in the skin to reduce swelling, redness and itching.
- Children using topical betamethasone may face an increased risk of slowed growth and delayed weight gain.
- Betnovate is the brand-name version of betamethasone cream in the Skin Care range.
How does betamethasone work?
Betamethasone cream is a medium-potency topical corticosteroid. It narrows tiny blood vessels in the skin and blocks the release of chemicals that trigger inflammation, so the area stops itching and reddening. Because it suppresses the skin’s own alarm signals, it should not be applied to a bacterial infection: the cream can mask the signs and let the infection spread unchecked.
